A NEW carers project is reaching out to the thousands of people looking after loved ones in Inverclyde.

Carers Gateway Inverclyde set up Chatty Cafes across the area as part of a new initiative to find those in need of more support.

As part of a week of special events they were in Costa in the Oak Mall and other venues as they cast the net wide.

Joining them was Faye Cairns, who has been a carer for the last 20 years and has relied on existing support in the community.

Faye, 65, who has looked after her granddaughter with additional support needs, said: "I think it's great idea to be able to come to a cafe to chat to people and find out more about the services and support available in Inverclyde.

"I don't know what I would have done without the Carers Centre for the last 20 years and I would like other people to get the help they need."

Faye met with two members of the Carers Gateway Inverclyde team who are now offering services to people of all ages, including young carers.

Carers Gateway Inverclyde Louise Macdonald and Stacey Gillen (Image: George Munro)

Both Stacey Gillen and Louise Macdonald want to get as much information as possible out there about the work the Carers Gateway does.

In Inverclyde a record number of 3,000 people are registered as unpaid carers but it is estimated that there are many more.

During a recent week-long event they ran Chatty Cafes in Inverclyde visiting other venues including Cardwell Garden Centre and Carriages in Kilmacolm.

There were also activties taking place throughout the week.

Louise said: "We are hoping to get out and about to speak to as many carers as possible, to let them know what we provide. We are looking at more outreach in the community."

The activities continue throughout the summer with events and outings for carers of all ages.

The team is also organising a tea dance next month.

Carers Gateway Inverclyde is run by third sector organisation Unity, which was awarded the contract to provide advice and support services in Inverclyde by the local HSCP.

It was previously provided by the Carers Centre, based in Cathcart Street, which is continuing to support carers in Inverclyde.